April 29th, 2040
“Yes, it’ll be absolutely spectacular. The New York location was a hit, as were the Paris and Italy galleries and I thought it was just time to do the same in California. Well, you know, another one in California - not counting the one in San Diego. You’re going to be there right?.. Seriously? Don’t tell me you forgot - we’re having a showing in a month. Delilahhhhhhh… oh… fine… ha ha… sooooo funny.” Rolling her eyes at her sister’s attempt at a joke - Candice walked towards the kitchen where her husband was playing with their 5-year-old daughter and 7 year old son. He gave her a goofy grin - the exact one that she had fallen in love with so many years before. Though before she could say anything else to Delilah, Candice found her phone dinging - indicating she was getting another call. Checking caller ID, “Hey D, I’ll call you back after you’re done with your shoot. Zach’s calling and he’s been having a meltdown since last night about what to wear for his date at 7. Yes I’ll tell him his auntie Delilah tells him not to fck it up.” after a soft laugh, Candice hung up, picking the phone up from her son and putting it on speaker so that Charlie could also hear.
“Mom are you sure I should go with the blue suit? I don’t know… I’m kinda double thinking it because I’m pretty sure she said her favorite color was red and maybe I should wear the red suit…”
“Do not wear the red suit, god Zach. It’s a date, it’s not like you’re proposing tonight.”
“You know, you’re so confident with every other girl you’ve dated… or even guy you’ve dated so what’s the difference with this date?”
“I don’t know dad… it’s just… it feels different this time. I really like her.”
“Zach trust me, if you like her in the way I think you like her…”
Candice watched as Charlie’s eyes met hers, “Then be yourself, and everything will work out. You’re an amazing guy and she’ll see that. Trust me, it works.”
“So… the blue suit then?”
“The blue suit is perfect. Let us know how it goes, and now GET TO CLASS.”
“And don’t forget - we have your grandfather’s show on Wednesday so you have to meet us in Florence.”
“Alright alright. Thanks mom, thanks dad.”
“BAI BWOTHER”
Candice heard a laugh at the other end before Zach responded “Bye Maia Bear and bye Declan Deer.”
“I AM NOT A DEER”
“You are to me kid. Love you!” And with that, Candice heard the line ending. With a laugh, Candice walked towards Charlie - taking the seat next to him, giving him a smile before looking towards their daughter in his arms.
And honestly - that’s how her mornings usually went. Life had been good… and Candice couldn’t have asked for anything better. She was happy… happier than she had been in such a long time before meeting Charlie.
Walking into her Gallery, Candice had a goal in mind. First - she had to do a walkthrough of what was currently on display and what artists they were working with, then she had to go into the office and get into contact with a few more artists - a few that she wanted to come on board particularly for the first showing in a month. While the opening for this gallery was a hit - it did not mean the work was done. Candice had worked in this industry long enough to know and understand the fact that the first few showings were make or break for a new gallery… and on the bright side, she had enough contacts in the art world to make the opening a hit.
With her ipad - indicating sales for each painting and how much interest there was for the different pieces that were up, Candice walked around her new gallery. She had looked at half of it so far, and currently she was looking at a piece from an up-and-comer artist who had recently gotten big on tiktok. It was beautiful, truly - a painting of a mother and daughter walking through a colorful forest. Art truly did have an affect on her - it always had. And so, she truly became lost in the work… until of course, she heard her name. “Hmm?” Candice murmured, staring at the painting for a few seconds longer before turning towards the voice.
The second she did, she felt shock hit her body. If there was one person she didn’t expect to… well ever talk to again… or even see to be honest, it was the man who was currently in front of her. “Dom what are you… sorry habit… Dominic what… brings you… here?” Candice questioned - unsure what to say as she looked at him. “I’m sorry that was so rude… asking… sht I say I’m sorry a lot don’t I? I mean… it’s a art gallery and you’re an artist I’m not surprised you’re here… well I’m a little surprised… do you want water? We have sparkling and… regular…” Candice got out - falling over her words. After all… how do you talk to someone you haven’t seen in so long… and someone who hates you with such a feverity? At least… that’s what Candice knew about the man… he hated her and she let him hate her.
@caticorn
@littlefeets - Kai’s son
@novella - Delilah